An otoscope is a medical device used to examine the ears. It is a handheld tool that shines a beam of light to help visualize and examine the condition of the ear canal and eardrum. Otoscopes are used by healthcare providers to screen for illness during regular check-ups and also to investigate ear symptoms. The most commonly used otoscopes consist of a handle and a head. The head contains a light source and a simple low-power magnifying lens, typically around 8 diopters (3.00x Mag) . The distal (front) end of the otoscope has an attachment for disposable plastic ear specula. The examiner first straightens the ear canal by pulling on the pinna (usually the earlobe, side or top) and then inserts the ear speculum side of the otoscope into the external ear.

During an otoscopic examination, the provider utilizes an otoscope, also known as an auriscope, to visualize the ear anatomy. The otoscope contains a light and magnifying lens to illuminate and enlarge ear structures to help the provider accurately visualize and evaluate the health of the visible anatomical structures. The examination of the ear using an otoscope is called otoscopy. Otoscopes are used to diagnose diseases such as otitis media and otitis externa, which are infections of the middle and outer parts of the ear, respectively. Otoscopes are also frequently used for examining patients noses (avoiding the need for a separate nasal speculum) and (with the speculum removed) upper throats.

In summary, an otoscope is a handheld medical device used to examine the ears, nose, and throat. It contains a light source and magnifying lens to illuminate and enlarge ear structures to help healthcare providers accurately visualize and evaluate the health of the visible anatomical structures.